Mother-Daughter Duo Lydia and Melanie Arrona

This mom and daughter completed identical Bachelor of Arts in Education from UTA 14 years apart, and under the same professor, Dr. Luis Rosado. 

 

What degree did you complete:

Melanie: I graduated May 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts in Education with English as a Second Language certification.

Lydia: I graduated from UTA in 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts in Bilingual Education for Early Childhood - Grade 4. I currently teach at Bishop Arts STEAM Academy in Dallas for Prekindergarten – Grade 3.

What do you love most about UTA?

Melanie: What I love most about UTA is how welcoming the college and everyone in it is welcoming to newcomers.

Mom, was it always “the plan” for Melanie to follow your footsteps?

Lydia: I never imagined she would attend the same university I attended and have the same professor 14 years ago. I was overwhelmed with excitement when she decided to go into teaching. I know she is going to love it as much as I do.

Lydia, do you remember having Dr. Luis Rosado as a professor?

Lydia: I felt very excited when I heard her mention his name and I told her ;he is awesome you’re going to really enjoy his class. Dr. Rosado was very knowledgeable, always approachable, encouraging, helpful and always looking for ways to help us. 

Lydia, at the time you graduated from UTA, your daughter would have been about 4 years old. What was your experience like as a student parent?

I am very lucky because I have very supportive parents, husband and family who were always willing to babysit and encourage me to continue my education.

Melanie, did your mother influence your decision to choose UTA and teaching? 

Melanie: In a way my mom did influence me to become a teacher. Bishop Arts Steam Academy was my former school, and when I moved onto middle and high school, I decided to go back to my former school and become a volunteer. I would be helping my mom set up her classroom at the beginning of the year, I help sort and grade papers with her. Sometimes I would watch her be in front of the class teaching her students. This was a continuous routine up until now. Choosing UTA was a straightforward decision, and my mom did tell me to choose that school. 

Your plan is to apply for jobs at your mom’s school. Why?

Working with my mom would be the greatest opportunity for me. I get to experience what a 14 year of teaching looks like, tips and tricks on teaching. And who won’t love to work with their mom. 

Lydia, what was your experience like at UTA?

My experience was a roller coaster because I started UTA when COVID was first starting. I was online for everything; my tour was online and so were my classes. I met all my professors online, but they were greatest at understanding how the pandemic was affecting us and keeping everyone safe. My professors were always trying to find ways to help us if we needed it. They also would create alternative ways to turn in our work. Our work was heavy, but my professors would lessen the work without watering it down. The events were also enjoyable everything was creative and fun, I also enjoy meeting new people and making new friends. 

I have not completed my certification exam, but I am working hard and practicing passing all my exams on the first try. 

Anything else?

Melanie: There were times when school was becoming hard, and I wanted to give up, but my mom was the rope holding up to never give. And here I am graduating and starting my new chapter. 

Lydia: I also have a young sister Saide Solis who graduated 2010 from UTA (Education) she also had Dr. Roasdo as a professor. She currently works at Marsalis Elementary in Dallas I.S.D.